Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Providence, RI (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Boston is 77% more expensive than Providence.

$2,093/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 36%
$94,755/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 30%
$710,400 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 55%
$2,176/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 33%
663,972
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $760/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $9,120/year.

Median household income is $27,983/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Providence — common questions

Is Boston or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Providence?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $760/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Providence?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $27,983/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Rhode Island?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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